Top Seller:

Watercolor Workshop DVD with Susan Harrison-Tustain

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Watercolor Painting

The versatility of watercolor painting is a constant delight. With the very same paints and brushes you can create any mood or atmosphere imaginable. No other medium can really compare with the beauty, transparency, and subtle luminosity of a masterful watercolor painting. The medium of watercolor is intrinsically beautiful as well as a little uncontrollable .. and many a masterpiece has been created as a result of "happy accidents" as the painting process took on a life of its own. But one of the biggest factors in producing a successful watercolor painting is the artist's attitude. This confidence comes in time with practice and a good knowledge of the tools and materials.

Watercolor painting is a truly enjoyable and relaxing activity. Learners need to be realistic and gentle on themselves - have fun and enjoy the learning process.

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Recommended Viewing:

Watercolor DVD by Susan Harrison-Tustain

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Painting Materials

Getting started with watercolors can be quite daunting. Art supply stores are packed to the ceiling with bits and pieces - all screaming for your attention. For the beginner, it is best to keep it very simple; paper, brushes, a few paints, a palette .. and of course, some water.

Paper
Watercolor paper generally falls under 2 categories: Hot Pressed and Cold Pressed. This determines the surface finish and texture. Hot pressed is smooth and cold pressed is rougher. There is quite a variation between different brands. Over time you will find a surface finish that suits you best.

Besides surface finish, the papers vary in size (dimension) and weight (paper thickness.) They can also be purchased in sheets, blocks or spiral bound pads. The most common weight of watercolor paper in use is 300gsm (140lb) Other typical weights are 190gsm (90lb) which is quite thin, all the way up to 640gsm (300lb) and beyond. You should only purchase good quality paper to avoid frustrations.

Brushes
Brushes last a long time with care, so always get the best you can afford. Brush heads vary in materials and shape. Pure sable brushes are excellent but expensive. There are also many excellent alternatives, such as mixed hair brushes (eg. blends of sable and ox-hair) and synthetic brushes.

Watercolor brushes come in a variety of shapes - with names like rounds, flats, wash, hakes, riggers, mops etc. Just get a few for starters. The rounds and flats are the most useful. The rounds hold a lot of paint and are very versatile with their pointed ends. They can be used for broad strokes and very fine detail. The flats are excellent blocking-in brushes, with their chiseled, squared ends. They are also good for damping down the paper and applying large washes.

Paints
Watercolor paints come in tubes and pans, and are graded either as artist quality or student quality. Artist paints cost a little more but they are worth the extra expense. They are more intense, more brilliant and more transparent. Because of the extra intensity and depth of the pigment, the artist quality paints tend to last longer, which makes up for the extra cost in the long run.

Tube colors are a bit easier on the brushes. The scrubbing and wetting of pan colors adds extra wear and tear to the brushes. Pan colors are very practical though when painting out in the field.

It is best to start off with quite a limited palette of colors - and get to know them really well. It is possible to produce a great painting with as few as 3 colors in your palette. A good suggested selection of colors for starting out would be a cool and warm version of red, blue, yellow and brown. From these you can mix virtually any color imaginable. Over time your palette will naturally grow as you give in to the temptation of buying new colors.

Palette
A white china plate or egg dish is ideal for use as a palette for indoor work. The plastic palettes available at art stores are also excellent. The more compartments the better. The plastic palettes are great for outdoors too - they are light and easy to clean.

Water
Clean water is an essential ingredient of watercolor painting. Many professional artist like to use 3 pots of water at all times so that one pot is always kept clear for pure color mixing. Even very lightly tinted water can adversely effect the intensity of a pigment.